Scripture Insights: Unlock the Scriptures Today. Created by Taylor Halverson, Ph.D.
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John Welch has done work on Alma’s 10 fold repetition of God’s name reenacting the day of atonement, to Alma’s prayer being a possible prayer circle, and Korihor being cast out as a “scapegoat.” I can't help but see more connections to the day of atonement and the temple in this chapter. Any chance the Rameumptom was built in a repurposed temple or something? The text says "13 For they had a place built up in the center of their synagogue." The Rameumptom being a "holy stand" that would only "admit one person" and that was in the very center of the synagogue. A location where they were "separated, "elected," or "chosen." Really sounds like the holy of holies where only one high priest could enter. The holy of holies with the mercy seat / holy stand. We know "anointing" is to be separated and chosen. Of course their practices were corrupted, but sounds like echos of the day of atonement. Perhaps Alma or Mormon were setting up the day of atonement symbolism. That's why Korihor being a scapegoat, the 10 fold repetition of Gods name, the prayer circle, the holy stand admitting one person, the anointing language, were all included??? This chapter also includes them stretching their arms towards heaven in prayer. It discusses observing the law of Moses. It talks about Alma “clapping his hands” on his brethren in a possible grasp or embrace. Connections???
Thank both of you for sharing these beautiful gifts I think about the 3rd attack in the scriptures The numbers important and for us today so many great things to help us today Lessons to give us all strength. Because they have been written for these days. ❤ 18:24
Truly you give such richness by explaining the meanings of the words! A powerful testimony also is there, since Joseph Smith could have not known in any way shape or form of his own knowledge, those meanings!
All good stuff except the part of some random ordinance worker supposedly knowing the resurrection grip. And that we are supposed to believe this random temple worker got it endorsed from President Kimball (for credibility) within the masonic temple as if they masons have more knowledge than the church. That was weird. Please stick with doctrine.
I've read the Book of Mormon more than 20 times and still you teach me so many things that I never noticed! I especially like learning how the names of people and places are actually part of the lesson and the history. Thank You!
Thank you both for a wonderful class I watch many different ones because I really want to understand more,getting a good rounded understanding. I really enjoy your understanding of words,and both work together great. ❤❤❤❤ 3:19
Taylor just an idea idk what you think but as far as the name change. They were Lamanites or “non believing” they became Anti-Nephi-Lehies or “one of” + “goodly” + “jaw bone” or “stubbornness” Could Anti-Nephi-Lehi mean something like “one of stubborn goodness” or like one set on goodnesss. I feel like that would make sense as they never did fall away. They were firm in the faith. Firm in goodliness.
I loved this lesson. I'm currently reading a novel set in WWII Nazi Germany and the statement in Alma 14:11 "...the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day" really stood out. I know repentance and forgiveness are available for everyone, but we will all still be accountable for deeds done while here on earth.
Sounds like Ishmael’s )Nephi’s father-in-law) name is significant for his story as well. “God hears” or “he who hears God.” He was righteous and likely plead to God for his family and so God send Nephi/bros to save them. Also, when Nephi/bros told Ishmael God had sent him he listened to God and followed them into the wilderness.
because King Lamoni's Father wanted to kill Ammon, only to have Ammon and King Lamoni to meet King Lamoni's Father on their way to Middoni (Alma 20: 2, 8-14)
Good question. The text doesn't give the entire answer. It does seem that God wanted Ammon and Lamoni to deliver the other Nephite missionaries from prison. Perhaps had they gone to Nephi they would have been further delayed. And since Ammon met the king's father on the road, where perhaps the king may not have had as many body guards and servants, Ammon was able to physically prevail over the king, which may have been more difficult if he was at the kings court surrounded by many of the king's trusted servants...Ammon may have been put into a situation of killing the king's servants in order to defend himself, which would not have endeared himself to the king. Those are my speculations.
Book of Mormon= Book of God's Love endures forever. I had always been taught that Mormon means 'More Good. Can someone reconcile both of those and do they mean the same.
Great question. Best scholarship on this, by BYU-Hawaii professor Matt Bowen, investigates the Egyptian meaning of the word. journal.interpreterfoundation.org/most-desirable-above-all-things-onomastic-play-on-mary-and-mormon-in-the-book-of-mormon/. also see: onoma.lib.byu.edu/index.php/MORMON
Is there a good resource to find the meanings of these names Ammon, Aaron, Omni, Lamoni, Abish, Ishmael, Sidon, etc? I’ve looked up a lot of this but I thought maybe you have done more research on it Taylor since you know so much about it. Learning about these Semitic names has become my favorite thing 😂. “The name is the lesson!!!” I wish I knew Hebrew, Aramaic, Egyptian, Greek, etc. and could speak all the languages you do haha 😂
Thank you, Mike for drawing the parallels between Alma/Amulek and Christ. Thank you, Taylor for the consistent reminder to turn to the scriptures and God's messengers when I need clarity.
What I find even more fascinating than Zeezrom’s name in relation to the bribe he offered, is the significance of the silver/metal refinement process. All through scriptures we see this. Silver is impure, it is then heated and pounded until it shines, is removed from the fire, and can be molded and shaped. Zeezrom underwent a similar process: he was wicked or “impure,” he was humbled through hearing the gospel and being persecuted by evil people in Ammonihah, he becomes sick with a “burning fever” and was “exceedingly sore,” he is then miraculously snatched from the “fire” of sickness and condemnation by messengers of God, and he is molded into a missionary and servant of the Lord. Truly inspired Zeezrom is “one of silver.”
Fourteen years as a missionary?! Oh so long.. but wait I'm thinking here we as members of lds church serving like a Missionaries that's why we need to endure until the end.
Mike, I like your explanation of Aaron declining his right to kingship to go serve a mission. And how he ends up before the Lamanite king, bowing before him and becoming his servant. And how Christ, even though he is our King he is willing to be our servant. Beautiful!
Great insights! I love the way Taylor refers to the meanings or possible meanings of names and how they connect a person/place with their life and service.
